2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2000 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 381 kg more than 2000 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2000 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2710 mm |
